Dear Footy Tragics,

With so many teams “complete” by Round 16, many DT coaches are asking what to do with those surplus trades over the last seven weeks of the season. At this point of the season, most teams start to focus on private league glory, as they come to realise that the car is out of reach, except for the top 300 teams overall. This week I talk about what to do with those remaining trades and how many you should keep for Rounds 19 – 22, DT finals!

My strategy, which has served me well in previous seasons, is to retain four, possibly even five trades for the finals. Assuming I finish top four, my trades over the last four weeks will be used in the following manner:

  • Week 1 – Use two trades searching for a win and a rest in Week 2. I look for a two for one trade to bring in an absolute gun;
  • Week 2 – Hold fire (assuming you win Week 1);
  • Week 3 – Use one to two trades (the Preliminary Final is arguably harder to win than the GF, because teams often use their remaining trades in the lead up to this final). Look for another two for one trade, or simply replace an injured or rested premium.
  • Week 4 – Use one trade to replace an injured or rested premium.

If you finish 5 – 8, you must go for broke because there is no second chance.

Do not underestimate injuries or restings in the latter part of the season. We must remember that Mark Thompson and Ross Lyon are not concerned with our DT’s. If Gary Ablett, Paul Chapman, Jimmy Bartel, Leigh Montagna, Brendon Goddard, Lenny Hayes or Nick Dal Santo need a rest before the AFL finals, they will be given one between Rounds 19 – 22! Let’s not forget Round 19 last season, when St. Kilda rested all of their stars in the one week against Hawthorn, week 1 of DT finals.

The AFL season is long and brutal and all players at this point of the season are carrying various ailments and niggling injuries. AFL premierships are won in September, not August and clubs want their stars peaking during the finals series (AFL finals, not DT finals)! Don’t fall for the trap of thinking your current starting lineup of 22 players in Round 16 will be the same 22 players who get the job done for you in Rounds 19, 20, 21 and 22.

One week is a long time in football, which makes seven weeks an eternity. You’ve been warned.

Good luck!